Who We Are
The Organization has invested ample time to learn and work out the solutions for water and livelihoods, for varied agroclimatic regions distributed in the Himalayan zone and sub-tropical hill zone, Central and Eastern India plateaus, Himalayan Foothills, and Coastal zone.
This one-and-a-half decade of direct action in rural India and corresponding stakeholders have revealed significant partnership scopes with the multiple government Departments, CSOs, Indian and Foreign partners and corporates to work as the convergence ‘driver’ for the benefit and larger reach of the community.
Outreach
Impact
Land resource-based Livelihood promoted with
Aquaculture Promoted with
Doorstep water supply ensured with
Livestock based livelihoods promoted with
Integrated Natural Resource Management Promoted
Our Approach
The core of PRASARI’s work is driven by a strong believe and approach. The technology, information and most importantly the service for facilitating lives and livelihoods must reach to the unreached, who are living at the periphery of the remotest villages, where main stream programmes struggle to reach.
The approach is navigated by the strong willingness to Stimulate and reinforce the sense of dignity among groups of women (to live a life of dignity). From the experiences gathered in last 18 years of journey, this is very much evident, when women from marginalised villages are provided a platform in name of groups with the encouragement, space, respect and solidarity can transform their lives. A woman needs a strong scaffold around her, starting from her own awareness and building outward into concentric circles of community, institutions, and governance.
PRASARI, a development organization, has recognized this complexity and designed a transformative journey — Atmanirbharata ki oar Yatra — a pathway toward self- reliance and dignity. This begins by organizing women into Self Help Groups (SHGs), a platform that provides a ‘breathing space’ and a source of collective strength. Their scaffold is rooted in the daily life of the village, working at the interface with the local governance and system to ensure that the groups are enable to make them acknowledged and be the part of the holistic development process.
The journey with the groups is neither in isolation or in exclusion, rather it aims to foster an inclusive environment where within the village eco-system accommodating all stakeholders in the journey of making the lives and the earth a better place.
PRASARI facilitates the groups in exploring and integrating the resources around them — land, water, livestock, forests, and human skills. This process begins with, enhancing understating of the natural resources and it’s significance and identifying the
facilitating and hindering factor the shapes the management of natural resources. With the enhanced set of knowledge and skills, the groups strategize to improve livelihoods, secure water and ensure nutrition, and steadily move toward their desired state of life.
PRASARI’s interventions are not designed to just leave behind some aware minds and trained individuals, it aims to create sustainable ecosystem, The transformation begins with a single group of women, as they journey together, they integrate resources, lead local development dialogues, and become changemakers.
As the rural group of women manoeuvres their life with solidarity, inclusiveness, dignity, and resilience that defines the rural progress and empowerment.
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Group of Women
DignityThematic areas
Water security
Water security is a critical aspect of ensuring access to sufficient, safe, and affordable water for all individuals and communities. It involves managing water resources sustainably to meet present and future needs while safeguarding ecosystems..
Income security
Income security refers to the assurance of a stable and adequate income to meet basic needs and maintain a decent standard of living. It encompasses various aspects such as employment opportunities, fair wages, social protection programs, and economic stability…
Nutrition security
Nutrition security involves ensuring that individuals and communities have access to safe, nutritious, and sufficient food to meet their dietary needs. It encompasses both food availability and accessibility, as well as knowledge about healthy eating habits and ensured ‘daily value’…
Our Partners
Blogs
Hello, I’m Swarnali Saha, and I recently embarked on a journey to the enchanting hill station of Prasari for a new job opportunity. Prior to this, mountains to me were synonymous with breathtaking natural beauty, a picturesque escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Little did I know that the serene landscapes were just the tip of the iceberg.
My work is based in the Kalingpong 1 Block, nestled in the heart of the Kalimpong District. Today, I want to share the unique story of a quaint village named Pashior, which has left an indelible mark on my perception of mountain life. The simplicity of the people’s lifestyle in Pashior is heartwarming, yet their daily existence is riddled with challenges that many of us might never fathom.
The defining challenge for the residents of Pashior is the absence of a proper road network. The village, situated approximately 5-6 kilometers away from the main road, is isolated in its own beauty. However, this isolation comes at a cost. Pashior lacks any vehicle facilities, and there’s no solid road connecting it to the outside world. To reach the main road, villagers must navigate a treacherous, hilly terrain, a daunting task that adds an unexpected layer of complexity to their lives.
Imagine having to traverse steep hills just to catch a vehicle for essential errands or travel. The absence of a paved road means that the villagers face an uphill battle, quite literally, every time they need to step beyond the confines of Pashior. This challenge not only tests their physical endurance but also highlights the resilience and determination ingrained in the mountain people.
In the face of such difficulties, the residents of Pashior exhibit an inspiring spirit. Their lives are a testament to the strength of human connection, as they come together to overcome the obstacles that nature has thrown their way. The absence of modern conveniences doesn’t deter them from leading a simple yet fulfilling life amidst the majestic mountains.
It was disheartening to learn that in emergencies, like when a pregnant woman or someone critically ill needs to reach the hospital, crossing the treacherous road is the only option. This realization fueled my determination to make a positive impact in this village, where every step is a challenge.
One poignant moment occurred when I witnessed school children returning home, their faces reflecting the strain of a 2-3 kilometer walk each way. The urgency to create change grew stronger.
I took it upon myself to connect with the villagers, understanding their challenges, and mapping out a plan for sustainable livelihoods. Water scarcity emerged as another critical issue, hindering year-round agriculture. Collaborating with the community, we formed a Spring Shed Management Committee, actively addressing water-related challenges and planning for a better future.
The turning point came when the Bhibu Goel, CEO of WBSRLM visited, and the villagers shared their concerns about the road. A promise was made to build a road in Pashior, igniting hope and optimism among the residents. In subsequent meetings, the villagers expressed their desire to actively participate in this initiative under the guidance of Prasari.
What warms my heart the most is that I’ve transitioned from being an outsider to a member of 124 households in Pashi. They include me in their moments of joy and sorrow, making me realize the power of human connection in overcoming challenges and building a community where everyone has a voice.
Stay tuned as I continue to be part of the journey in Pashior, working towards creating a lasting impact and weaving a tapestry of positive change in the lives of its resilient inhabitants.
The best part of a village stay lies in the embrace of simplicity and community. From the golden shades of sunrise over vast fields to the calm sounds of nature, every moment seems to paint a serene picture engaging with warm-hearted villagers, partaking in age-old traditions, and relishing the uncomplicated beauty of daily life creates a tapestry of memories that transcend the ordinary, making the village stay an immersive and enriching experience.
The best part of the village stay, is to see the villagers enjoying small things with full of joy , that you can’t even relate about the phase, they are drowned in it, like their children’s playing the football tournament, they are so much enjoying that things with clapping’s, shouting, blowing whistle, that they even just forget their own busy life for that moment. The air is filled with the warmth of shared joy, as families gather to witness the exhilarating game.
Like another example, that the village, which used to prepare for sleep as soon as the sun set, now staying awake until late at night eagerly anticipating the shooting event. The excitement shows from there, when they started getting ready with new clothes and having some make-up, and taking their children to see the shooting till late night. The nighttime readiness is a shift from their traditional early bedtime routine, highlighting the excitement and anticipation that surrounds the unique spectacle.
